Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Lauren

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Lauren

Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I recently changed my name to Emily Lauren for the stage, as my real last name is already taken by a talented poet from the victorian era; Emily Dickinson. She’s had a show and a movie made about her and although I hope to someday reach her status of hype, she currently buries me on search engines. I would also never want to take away from such a figure. It was an easy switch for me though, as Lauren is my middle!

I play keytar in a band called Jessy Fury and The Sound. We’re kind of a Pop/Rock – Synthwave vibe that takes you back to nostalgia roots when music was something you loved to play on the stereo of your bedroom growing up. My story is a long, long road and I feel as though I’ve lived many lives, but it all lead up to and makes perfect sense now (even the hard stuff). It’s like I am finally stepping into my own and becoming who I’m supposed to be. I invite you to come along for the ride!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t, but I think that’s where the human experience comes in. I’m not saying everyone needs to struggle, but I do believe some people are chosen for great things and a particular perspective requires someone who has truly lived it. Although, I wouldn’t wish anything I’ve gone through on my worst enemy! In my hardest of times, I couldn’t fight this nagging feeling there was more waiting for me as I’d look up at the stars from the Denny’s parking lot off Sunset where I’d sleep as a homeless, drug addict. I’m happy to report I just hit my 10 year sober-versary!

I had always thought I’d begin to talk about it when the 10th anniversary came around but when the time arrived I found myself backing out of such a vulnerable topic. I didn’t want people to look at me that way. My manager urged me to go through with it on the words, “It could save someones life.” That hit me. That gave me the strength to talk about it so on October 14th 2024 I did just that. I did not expect the response it created… an outpouring of both love and shock, but what really got me was the stories in my DMs. I received many lengthy tales from folks I didn’t even know were struggling or had been before. I read every message word for word and my heart took the time to be with every story. In fact, someone came up to me at our recent show in Nashville telling at 18 months he was having a hard time keeping on until they had seen my post. That was really something, and I’m honored to have inspired even one life in that way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a musician and I’m into video and photo editing. I guess some people call that content creators? I just love stunning visuals and if you can match music with that to make a story, even better! I started off studying on drums when I was a kid, and then got into piano as a teenager. Now as an adult, I am proud of the resume I’ve built including the experiences and opportunities along the way. I got to be in numerous tv shows, music videos, and tour. Earlier this year I got a keytar and took a dive into singing. Having such a great and knowledgable team around me has made adding those to my arsenal so fun!

Being so familiar with a regular piano keyboard, when I got the keytar I did just as everyone else probably does and felt stiff with my wrists pointing down. I didn’t want to be that way (awkward), especially as a girl, and ESPECIALLY being known for my stage presence. I watched other keytar players live and wasn’t exactly seeing what I wanted, so I watched guitarists. I would copy the guitar-slinging style, that of Angus Young from AC/DC, and starting to create and pave my own way with this strange new synthy keytar at hand. That dude was having a blast and I wanted to be just like that. [Fun fact: “Back in Black” was the first song I ever drummed to and officially got me going on my musical journey.]

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Follow your dreams! Be nice to yourself. And when the going gets tough, try and flip something negative into a positive. It may just work out in your favor maybe that was the way it was meant to be all along. Perspective is powerful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ylime.music
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ylime.music
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/ylimemusic

Image Credits
Jaq Mackenzie, Rob Shanahan